Sunday Morning Worship
December 18, 2011
Series: “Embrace CHRISTmas”
Today: “Embrace His Life on Earth”
Scripture: John 14:11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.
John 14:23-24 Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. 
Intro: This month’s series is pointing at the second step in our Life path, which can be remembered by the acrostic of the word: peace .
P – pursue .
E – embrace .
A – advance .
C – contribute .
E – expand . 
I. EMBRACE THE TEACHINGS OF HIS EARTHLY LIFE.
A. Jesus defines the relationship He wants with His followers; we must embrace His definition .
John 14:21 – “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.”
Jesus repeats for clarity:
John 14:23, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”
B. This is not a “ mental activity.” This is life transformation; someone is moving in; your “home” will never be the same! 
II. EMBRACE HIS HUMAN NATURE.
A. Hebrews 4:15 is one of many scriptures that remind us that Jesus was all man , as well as “all God.”
B. The gospel is not a religion; it’s a relationship with a real God who “gets you.”
III. EMBRACE HIS DIVINE NATURE.
A. John 14 records an exchange between Jesus and Philip.
John 14:8-9 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that 
will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
B. To embrace Jesus’ divine nature is to embrace God’s miraculous power living in you !
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 6:31-33 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Conclusion: How to embrace His life.
* Make a list of all the things you presently do to learn Jesus’ teachings:
(write one thing: ___________________________________)
* Make a list of all the things that are available to you, but you don’t presently do:
(write one thing: ___________________________________)
* Every time you consciously and willfully sin against God, write down a promise you forgot to claim!